Catfish fishing is an age-old tradition that has captured the hearts of anglers all across the United States. From tranquil lakes to rushing rivers, catfish offer an exciting challenge for those who seek to break records and reel in these mighty aquatic creatures. In this comprehensive article, we explore the exceptional catfish fishing records for each state, including the individuals who achieved these remarkable catches, and highlight the overall record for the entire USA.
Catfish Fishing Record: Overall USA
While each state boasts its own remarkable catfish catches, the crown for the overall largest catfish in the USA goes to Texas. The 121.5-pound blue catfish caught in the Lone Star State exemplifies the incredible potential of American waters to produce catfish of unparalleled size.
Catfish Fishing Records Across the USA: A State-by-State
Alabama
Blue Catfish: The state record for the largest blue catfish in Alabama is an impressive 120 pounds. Caught by Tim Pruitt in the Alabama River, this colossal catch showcases the potential of Alabama’s waters for yielding giant catfish.
Alaska
Channel Catfish: Although not a common catch in Alaska, the state record for channel catfish is 34.5 pounds. This catch was achieved by Mitch Miller in Sand Lake, proving that unexpected records can arise in the most unlikely places.
Arizona
Channel Catfish: Richard Wallen holds the state record for channel catfish in Arizona, with a catch weighing 33 pounds. This impressive catfish was reeled in from the Colorado River, underscoring the diversity of angling experiences in the arid state.
Arkansas
Blue Catfish: The Mississippi River yielded a record-breaking blue catfish weighing 116 pounds, caught by James Summers in Arkansas. This catch exemplifies the extraordinary potential of Arkansas’ water bodies for producing giant catfish.
California
Channel Catfish: Taken from the San Joaquin Delta, the state record for channel catfish in California is 53 pounds, caught by Joey Eddins. This catch defies the state’s coastal reputation and highlights its diverse angling opportunities.
Colorado
Channel Catfish: Captured by Adam DeMint in the Aurora Reservoir, the state record for channel catfish in Colorado is 38.5 pounds. This catch demonstrates that landlocked states also have substantial catfish to offer.
Connecticut
Brown Bullhead Catfish: The state record for brown bullhead catfish in Connecticut is 5 pounds, caught by Joseph Masi in Saugatuck Reservoir. Even modest-sized catches contribute to the state’s angling heritage.
Delaware
Channel Catfish: The state record for channel catfish in Delaware is 25.5 pounds, caught by Rodney Moore in Noxontown Pond. This catch showcases the potential for sizable catfish even in smaller bodies of water.
Florida
Channel Catfish: Joe Chancey landed a 44-pound channel catfish in Orange Lake, securing Florida’s record. Amid the state’s saltwater abundance, catfish fishing still claims its spot in the Sunshine State.
Georgia
Channel Catfish: A private pond hosted Georgia’s record-breaking channel catfish catch of 44 pounds, reeled in by James R. Ramsey. This catch highlights the allure of hidden trophy catfish in unexpected waters.
Hawaii
Channel Catfish: With a state record of 34 pounds, James Abellera caught a channel catfish at Wahiawa Public Fishing Area. Even in paradise, anglers find the thrill of catfish fishing.
Idaho
Channel Catfish: Richard Barrett holds the state record for channel catfish in Idaho, with a catch weighing 30 pounds from the Snake River. This catch underscores the diverse fishing opportunities in the Gem State.
Illinois
Blue Catfish: Illinois boasts the state record for blue catfish at 124 pounds, taken from the Mississippi River by Tim Pruitt. This catch emphasizes the colossal catfish that patrol the state’s waterways.
Indiana
Blue Catfish: Roger Lee Wright caught a 104-pound blue catfish in the Ohio River, setting Indiana’s record. This catch showcases the potential for trophy catfish in the state’s river systems.
Iowa
Blue Catfish: Justin Severson’s 101-pound blue catfish catch in the Missouri River stands as Iowa’s record. This catch highlights the allure of the state’s riverine landscapes for catfish anglers.
Kansas
Blue Catfish: The Kansas River yielded a 102.8-pound blue catfish caught by Bill Brownlee, solidifying Kansas’ position as a catfish angler’s haven.
Kentucky
Blue Catfish: Paul E. Abner caught a 104-pound blue catfish in the Ohio River, securing Kentucky’s record. This catch exemplifies the potential for sizable catfish in the state’s waterways.
Louisiana
Blue Catfish: Pete Hawes holds the state record for blue catfish in Louisiana, with a catch weighing 114 pounds from the Mississippi River. This catch highlights the state’s bountiful waters.
Maine
Brown Bullhead Catfish: In West Grand Lake, Jason Smith caught a 3.44-pound brown bullhead catfish, securing Maine’s record. Even in the northeastern state, catfish angling finds a place.
Maryland
Blue Catfish: The Potomac River yielded an 84-pound blue catfish caught by Christopher Megan, setting Maryland’s record. This catch showcases the potential for sizable catches in the state’s waters.
Massachusetts
Brown Bullhead Catfish: Richard Panofsky caught a 3.4-pound brown bullhead catfish in Factory Hollow Pond, securing Massachusetts’ record. Even smaller catches contribute to the state’s angling heritage.
Michigan
Channel Catfish: A 40-pound channel catfish was caught by Brent Avery in Lake St. Clair, setting Michigan’s record. This catch demonstrates that catfish can be a formidable catch even in the Great Lakes.
Minnesota
Flathead Catfish: Darren Troseth’s catch of a 70-pound flathead catfish in the St. Croix River stands as Minnesota’s record. This catch underscores the diversity of catfish species pursued in the state.
Mississippi
Blue Catfish: Mississippi proudly displays a state record of 95 pounds for blue catfish, hauled from the Mississippi River. This catch highlights the catfish’s dominance in the state’s aquatic ecosystems.
Missouri
Blue Catfish: The Show-Me State’s record for blue catfish is an impressive 130 pounds, caught by Greg Bernal in the Missouri River. This catch underscores the allure of the state’s water bodies for serious catfish anglers.
Montana
Channel Catfish: A 32-pound channel catfish was captured by Michael Williams in the Milk River, setting Montana’s record. This catch showcases the potential for respectable catfish catches in the state.
Nebraska
Channel Catfish: Nebraska’s record for channel catfish is 38 pounds, caught by Scott Norman in Lake McConaughy. This catch highlights the diversity of fishing experiences in the state.
Nevada
Channel Catfish: A 37-pound channel catfish was captured by Carl E. Limacher in Lake Mohave, securing Nevada’s record. This catch underscores the potential for impressive catfish in desert landscapes.
New Hampshire
Brown Bullhead Catfish: Jeff Whipple caught a 2.6-pound brown bullhead catfish in Crystal Lake, securing New Hampshire’s record. Even smaller catches contribute to the state’s angling heritage.
New Jersey
Channel Catfish: A 33-pound channel catfish was caught by Michael Cavanaugh in Menantico Sand Wash Pond, setting New Jersey’s record. This catch demonstrates the potential for respectable catches in the state.
New Mexico
Flathead Catfish: In Elephant Butte Reservoir, Joe Gallegos caught a 78.8-pound flathead catfish, securing New Mexico’s record. This catch showcases the potential for sizable catches in the state.
New York
Channel Catfish: Lake Champlain yielded a 35-pound channel catfish caught by Anthony Masi, setting New York’s record. This catch highlights the diversity of angling experiences in the state.
North Carolina
Blue Catfish: The Roanoke River yielded a 117-pound blue catfish caught by Zakk Royce, setting North Carolina’s record. This catch exemplifies the potential for trophy catches in the state.
North Dakota
Channel Catfish: A 38-pound channel catfish was captured by Jesse Gion in the Missouri River, securing North Dakota’s record. This catch showcases the potential for sizeable catfish in the state’s waters.
Ohio
Blue Catfish: Mark Blauvelt caught a 96-pound blue catfish in the Ohio River, setting Ohio’s record. This catch exemplifies the potential for trophy catfish in the state’s river systems.
Oklahoma
Blue Catfish: The Arkansas River yielded a 98-pound blue catfish caught by Cody Mullennix, solidifying Oklahoma’s position as a prime catfishing destination.
Oregon
Channel Catfish: Captured by Kevin Tompkins in the Umpqua River, the state record for channel catfish in Oregon is 33 pounds. This catch underscores the diversity of angling experiences in the state.
Pennsylvania
Flathead Catfish: The Susquehanna River yielded a 56-pound flathead catfish caught by Randy Buchanan, setting Pennsylvania’s record. This catch showcases the potential for substantial catfish in the state’s waters.
Rhode Island
Brown Bullhead Catfish: A 2-pound brown bullhead catfish was caught by Deren Dias in Silver Spring Lake, securing Rhode Island’s record. Even smaller catches contribute to the state’s angling heritage.
South Carolina
Blue Catfish: Captured in the Santee-Cooper Reservoir, Nick Anderson’s 113-pound blue catfish stands as South Carolina’s record. This catch exemplifies the potential for trophy catches in the state.
South Dakota
Channel Catfish: A 41-pound channel catfish was reeled in by Justin Halgerson from the Big Sioux River, setting South Dakota’s record. This catch underscores the diverse fishing opportunities in the state.
Tennessee
Blue Catfish: Reeled in from the Cumberland River, Jeffery Williams caught a 130-pound blue catfish, securing Tennessee’s record. This remarkable catch exemplifies the potential for record-breaking fishing in the state.
Texas
Blue Catfish (Overall USA Record): Texas takes the cake with the overall record for the largest blue catfish in the USA, an astonishing 121.5 pounds. This massive catch solidifies Texas’ reputation as a prime destination for catfish anglers.
Utah
Channel Catfish: In the Virgin River, Nathan Thomas captured a 32-pound channel catfish, setting Utah’s record. This catch highlights the potential for respectable catfish catches in the state.
Vermont
Brown Bullhead Catfish: Lake Champlain yielded a 5-pound brown bullhead catfish caught by Eric Palmer, setting Vermont’s record. Even smaller catches contribute to the state’s angling heritage.
Virginia
Blue Catfish: The James River yielded an 143-pound blue catfish caught by Tony Milam, setting Virginia’s record. This catch underscores the potential for monumental catfish in the state’s waters.
Washington
Channel Catfish: Captured from the Spokane River, Kurt Calhoun’s 36-pound channel catfish stands as Washington’s record. This catch showcases the potential for impressive catfish in the state’s waters.
West Virginia
Blue Catfish: A 59.74-pound blue catfish was captured by Dale Hughes in the Ohio River, setting West Virginia’s record. This catch showcases the impressive catfish that inhabit the state’s waterways.
Wisconsin
Flathead Catfish: Mark Frazier holds the state record for flathead catfish in Wisconsin, with a catch weighing 74.5 pounds from the Fox River. This catch underscores the diversity of catfish species pursued by anglers.
Wyoming
Channel Catfish: Sloans Lake yielded a 31-pound channel catfish caught by Landon Jones, setting Wyoming’s record. This catch highlights the potential for substantial catfish in the state’s more remote waters.
Conclusion
Each state’s catfish records tell a story of dedication, skill, and the thrill of angling. From rivers to lakes, and from coastlines to deserts, the pursuit of catfish records unites anglers across the United States. Behind each of these records is an angler who has left their mark in the legacy of catfish fishing.
